The success of the criminal justice system depends on some of the research done using various research models. This essay addresses these research models and their general contribution to the criminal justice field. Besides, the essay will discuss the benefits of ethics as it applies to the research process. It also contains confidentiality and informed consent, highlighting their importance. Several criminal justice topics have ethical concerns that must be addressed for the effectiveness of the system. This paper will discuss some recommendations to address the ethical concerns.
Research Models
During research compilation, several external and internal factors determine the success of the process. Lewis (2017) argues that most empirical research in criminal justice is perceived as a variable of an experimental model. Some of the research models discussed in this paper include qualitative research, qualitative, quantitative, and survey research.
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Qualitative Research
Qualitative research comprises gathering and assessing non-numerical data to comprehend experiences or concepts. In criminology, qualitative research provides a broad understanding of criminal behavior and crime (Lewis, 2017). This research model normally involves an orientation to social context and human subjectivity, inductive reasoning, explanatory research questions, and the meaning that participants attach to their lives and events as they occur (Lewis, 2017; Kraska et al., 2020). Life histories, case studies, focus groups, intensive interviews, and participant observation are among the research designs under this model (Kraska et al., 2020). In order to understand how drugs are moved from one place to another, an interview would interview a drug dealer. The interviewer uses open-ended questions to gain an in-depth understanding of the operations.
Quantitative Research
Researches in criminal justice apply quantitative research to predict a given outcome from statistical data. This research model studies several patterns that link statistical data and some variables assumed to be outcomes. The quantitative research model uses variables such as numbers to measure the reality of criminal justice (Lewis, 2017). During analysis, these variables are studied to evaluate patterns of cause, effect, covariation, and relation. A review of dependent and independent variables provides more insight into the story since dependent variables are always regarded as outcomes of the study (Braswell et al., 2017). Some of the quantitative research designs include experimental, longitudinal, survey, quasi-experimental, meta-analysis, time-series, cross-sectional researches.
Survey Research
Survey research analyses an aspect by gathering answers from a sample of people. Survey research can be done through in-person, computer, telephone, mail. Survey research is generalizable, inexpensive, efficient, and versatile (Lewis, 2017). Inaccuracy of survey data may be due to problems of measurement and sampling resulting from poor data collection and analysis methods. Legislators can use the survey method to determine the issue that affects law enforcement agencies and possible solutions for the issues.
Research Compatibility
From the three research models discussed, survey research is the most compatible model since it can be used to collect data from society, which reflects the ideal picture of various aspects of crime. Involving community members in developing crime prevention strategies and new programs within a community is an ethical consideration in criminal justice. Using the survey method enables researchers to collect some information that may not be otherwise reported. Besides, survey research enables law enforcement agencies to build the required program to improve the community and report crimes frequently. The fear of retaliation from drug dealers may cause community members not to report drug sales in an area. The survey enables community members to write down their concerns without fear due to the anonymity associated with it, making the police department aware of improvement areas in a community.
Importance of Ethics in Criminal Justice
Officers experience various forms of temptations as they delegate their duties throughout their lives. Ethics is an essential part of individual officers as it determines their values and morals. Moral guidelines enable law enforcement agencies to meet the demands of the population they serve (Maxfield & Babbie, 2017). Ethics is essential in criminal justice as it offers the opportunity for both the victim and the accused to enjoy justice during judgment. The code of ethics developed for police officers controls their activities and prohibits activities such as using force and threats to drive suspects into confession (Maxfield & Babbie, 2017). The absence of ethical standards can lead to biasness in law enforcement, such as unfair sentencing, not providing a jury of peers, and judgments based on available money.
Importance of Informed Consent and Confidentiality
Informed consent and confidentiality protect participants in various forms of research from avoiding challenges associated with their privacy. Informed consent indicates that the person gives their aspect of an idea without any form of intimidation, constraints, fraud, coercion, or any component of force ((Maxfield & Babbie, 2017; Prenzler, 2021). Informed consent allows participants to agree or disagree to any form of participation or questioning within research. Interviewers explain the whole aspect of research to potential participants and make informed decisions on whether to be part of the research. The participants have the opportunity to withdraw their consent at any time within the research period (Prenzler, 2021). Confidentiality is vital in research since it ensures that the information given by the participants will be kept safe and their anonymity will be maintained (Maxfield & Babbie, 2017). It makes the participants provide information freely without the fear of exposure. For instance, if an individual participates in rape research, they will be provided with all documentation about the research and allowed to give their consent on whether or not to participate. Those who agree to take part give their consent by signing a documented agreement. The interviewer will assure the participants of their confidentiality to ensure that the information does not reach any person without their knowledge (Prenzler, 2021).
Topic with Ethical Concerns
The use of force in the field is a topic that is of ethical concern and has raised debates on the amount of force that officers should use when in the field. Several deaths within the last few months have raised more ethical concerns on this topic. Civilians and other law enforcement bodies believe that police officer sometimes uses excessive physical force and are quick to use their weapons (Prenzler, 2021). Others believe that the approach taken by police officers is appropriate for them. The United States has experienced an increase in community violence, raising more ethical concerns on the use of weapons and physical force. A survey research model can be used to address these ethical concerns since it will allow law enforcement officers to gather the citizens' views regarding the appropriate option for field officers. The concern can also be addressed by providing a well-structured training regime for officers that uses force as the last option.
Conclusion
A research document on criminal justice incorporates various aspects such as research models, ethical concerns, informed consent, and confidentiality. Law enforcement agencies can use research to determine ways to provide a safe and secure environment for the community members they serve. With training concerns and changing society, law enforcement should examine how the criminal justice system and ethics can be used to advance and enhance the prosperity of our country. These ethical concerns would be addressed through research and education.
References
Braswell, M. C., McCarthy, B. R., & McCarthy, B. J. (2017). Justice, crime, and ethics . Taylor & Francis.
Kraska, P. B., Brent, J. J., & Neuman, W. L. (2020). Criminal justice and criminology research methods . Routledge.
Lewis, J. (2017, July 5). Types of Criminal Justice Research & Hypothesis. https://careertrend.com/list-6734647-types-justice-research--amp-- hypothesis.html
Maxfield, M. G., & Babbie, E. R. (2017). Research methods for criminal justice and criminology . Cengage Learning.
Prenzler, T. (2021). Ethics and accountability in criminal justice: Towards a universal standard . Australian Academic Press.
